Having lived for many years, I have always thought that "no" was negative and "yes" was positive. After learning the results of the majority votes by members of the State College Borough Council, it seems to me they have forgotten the word "yes" is still alive and well.

I state this because the last two measures put before them received more "no" votes than "yes" votes, therefore putting both into the waste basket of life.

The measures were: 1) to honor the memory of our beloved, deceased Mayor Bill Welch, who gallantly performed public service, by naming the Municipal Building for him (defeated by "no" votes) and 2) the idea of a pedestrian mall involving Allen Street. The majority vote of "no" would not even permit consideration or exploration of this pleasant idea.

I ask myself, "Have these people ever experienced living outside of the box that they are in?" Their majority negative votes show me a closed-mindedness and a negative approach based on personal opinion. In my innocence, I thought they were supposed to represent us, the general populace, not their own personal feelings. Boy, was I mistaken!

Progress can only be made by opening one's options and one's mind by thinking "yes" and not "no." Personal opinions do not represent the opinions of the people they are supposed to represent. Personal "no" votes that close a matter that should be open for public opinion are only a show of power.

How can we, the populace, expect progress of any kind to take place here when negativity rules?

-- Doris S. Myers, State College

Letters to the editor can be e-mailed to terry.casey@statecollege.com.